Football legends Jimmy Armfield CBE and Frank Swift had plaques unveiled in their honour in Blackpool this week to commemorate their achievements in the game.
The ceremony took place on two sites in the seaside town, with Jimmy Armfield's plaque being displayed outside the entrance of Revoe Learning Academy and Frank Swift's plaque taking pride of place at the Revoe Library.
Members of the Armfield family and PFA Chief Executive, Gordon Taylor OBE unveiled Armfield's plaque at his old school, with special guest, former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg MBE.
Gregg a former Northern Ireland international, survived the Munich air disaster in 1958 which tragically killed Frank Swift, and fittingly he unveiled a plaque at Revoe Library in his memory.
On 6 February 1958, both goalkeepers were aboard the plane for Manchester United’s return flight from Belgrade when it crashed at Munich airport. A total of 23 people including players, crew, coaching staff and journalists were killed – this included Swift, who was then a reporter for the News of the World. Survivor Harry Gregg was one of the heroes of the tragedy, returning to the plane wreckage and rescuing four people.
Now aged 86, Harry recalled how the mention of Frank’s name in hospital had given him the first hint of just how bad the tragedy was. “I was sitting in the hospital and heard a German voice say ‘Swift - kaputt’, which I took to mean he had died.
“Before the crash, I remembered Frank joking around and being the life and soul of the party.
“I was shocked to hear he had gone, went to find out more and heard the extent of the casualty list.
“Frank was a wonderful character. It is easy to be a character and not have the ability, but Big Swiftie had the ability and character.”
Sixty years on from the tragedy, the PFA linked up with the Blackpool Civic Trust, Revoe school, and the Armfield and Swift families to remember two of the country’s most famous footballers.
Gordon Taylor, said: “It is so important to remember the history of the game and the people who shaped it.
“It’s wonderful to be able to acknowledge the contribution to the game and to the communities in which they grew up of two men who were absolute legends.”
Joan Humble, chairman of The Blackpool Civic Trust, said: “We are very pleased to commemorate two footballers who were so inspirational. Jimmy Armfield was patron of Blackpool Civic Trust and was very supportive of us.
“He was very proud of Blackpool and all the many things that are good about the town. It is important we celebrate that good.”
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